Ginetta launches G40 'race car for the road'
Ginetta unveiled its road car derivative of the successful G40 race-car at the start of August. GT racer Sarah Bennett-Baggs, gave it the once-over...
Ginetta took an historic step forward by launching the road-going version of its G40 racer. Owner Lawrence Tomlinson presented the car to a specially invited coterie of pressmen at the dedicated LNT factory near Leeds, followed by a factory tour, road test and track test at Elvington circuit.
The factory tour revealed the serious investment Lawrence has made since buying Ginetta five years ago. We met the in-house designers and engineers responsible for creating the componentry and building the cars. We were shown the on-site engine testing facility, carbon fibre workshop and production line, as well as an extensive inventory of parts.
On the road the G40 is enormous fun to drive. It’s light, nimble and compact but don’t be fooled as this is a real drivers car, designed for dedicated wheelmen who like to feel the road. It’s comfortable at high speed, not excessively noisy and the ride is not as hard as I was expecting. Even speed bumps were no impediment. As you’d expect, the G40 has a 
snug cockpit, with few driver comforts, although air-con will be an option.
Developed directly from two successful British Ginetta Championship racers, once on the track the G40 was very much at home and its MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3's provided impressive grip levels, while over-steer provoked very little squeal.
If you love track days and want to get into racing, this is th
e car for you. Two clicks on the front dampers, a slight adjustment to the anti-roll bar and the car is transformed into a racer. It becomes much more pointy, less apt to slide, but also less forgiving! Interestingly, two full days of track time revealed absolutely no wear on the tyres.
Lawrence commented, “G40 is designed as the new MGA, providing pure driving enjoyment, but with FIA-approved safety and proper road car build quality. That’s why we’re confident it’ll be a success!”
Ginetta plans to make 100 road-going G40s annually, offered in a choice of six gel-coat colours. Weighing just 795kg, power comes from a 1.8-litre, 16-valve engine with a 6-speed manual gearbox, developing 175bhp The first 20 cars will be sold direct from the factory for £29,995. Put your name down fast, or prepare for a long wait!
